Barbara Barrett, matriarch of Newfoundland theatre dead at 92

An icon in the Newfoundland and Labrador theatre community has died, following a brief illness.

Barbara Barrett died on Saturday at the age of 92.

Barrett was born in Huddersfield, England and served in the Women's Land Army during World War II, being awarded the Defence of Britain medal for her service.

It was during that time that she met and fell in love with Flight Lt. Arthur Barrett of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

After the war, the couple moved to Newfoundland, where Barbara Barrett began her lifelong relationship with theatre.

From war bride to theatre pioneer

The new couple first settled in Curling, on Newfoundland's west coast, where Barrett began teaching ballet and tap dancing to the community's children and young adults.

When the family moved to Gander in 1953, Barrett founded the Avion Players, a troupe that included Newfoundlanders as well as people from a host of nations, including the U.S., Holland and eastern Europe.

The greater theatre community of Newfoundland has grown and flourished through Barbara’s pioneering efforts.- John Barrett, son of Barbara Barrett

With a relocation to Stephenville, Barrett continued her role as a leader in both the arts community and with the Girl Guides of Canada.

Eventually her husband's career took them to Corner Brook, where Barrett was heavily involved in the local Playmakers Company. She also served as the artistic director of the Arts and Culture Centre in the city.

In 1973, the family moved to St. John's, where Barrett became very involved in a then-burgeoning arts community. 

She was the head of the now aptly-named Barbara Barrett Theatre, which is located on the lower level of the St. John's Arts and Culture Centre.

Until recently, Barrett served as an adjudicator, director, playwright and casting agent for the film and commercial industry.

Woman of distinction

In 2013, Barrett was recognized by Memorial University for her significant contributions to provincial theatre and was presented with an honorary doctor of laws degree. 

Barrett was also invested as a member of both the Order of Canada and the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Her other honours included the YMCA Woman of Distinction award, the Girl Guides Order of Merit, the Senior Citizen of Distinction and the Queen's Jubilee Medal.

Barrett also assumed Citizen Court responsibilities, which saw her presiding over dozens of immigration ceremonies, beginning in 1996.

Following her passing, Barrett`s son John distributed a press release, which listed her many accomplishments.

"The greater theatre community of Newfoundland has grown and flourished through Barbara’s pioneering efforts," he said.

"Her loss will be greatly felt by all those involved."